[PICS] Is The Real Housewives Of Durban (RHOD] Scripted?

Entertainment commentator/blogger Phil Mphela, has started a heated debate on Twitter after giving his followers a glimpse behind the scenes of The Real Housewives of Durban (RHOD).

Read More: The Real Housewives Of Durban Viewers Are Not Happy

Reality shows are meant to give viewers insight into the lives of their favorite stars, but people’s opinions differ on whether or not they are scripted. Sometimes a lot can happen behind the scenes that viewers may not be aware of.

The director can tell the cast members what to do or say to make the show juicy or more dramatic, but the scenes are not scripted. Viewers may be able to tell that an episode is scripted as well.

What viewers often do not see on TV is the number of people behind the scenes who are behind the production. Cast members also know how the cameras are set up and this is called camera blocking. Phil argued that reality TV is scripted and it is planned and controlled.

“Look at how many people are in the room when they shoot #RHODurban. This is what’s meant by; reality tv, like all tv productions, is scripted,” he wrote.

“You may not be told what to say, but the “scene” has to be planned & controlled. Can’t be “real” with these many people watching you,” he continued.

He went on to say that the cast is not given scripts but the structure of the show is scripted. “I’m not saying people are given scripts like actors on set. Thought that’s obvious, but this is Twitter. One has to put it in grade 3 terms. Television is about structure (and story telling) so it’s not viable to just point cameras,” he wrote.

Look at how many people are in the room when they shoot #RHODurban. This is what’s meant by; reality tv, like all tv productions, is scripted. You may not be told what to say, but the “scene” has to be planned & controlled.”

Look at how many people are in the room when they shoot #RHODurban

This is what’s meant by; reality tv, like all tv productions, is scripted.

You may not be told what to say, but the “scene” has to be planned & controlled.

Can’t be “real” with these many ppl watching you. pic.twitter.com/zlBr3kbCNu

— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) April 22, 2022

Tweeps weigh in on his tweets with varying opinions. Some agreed with what Phil’s sentiments.

@VuyaniMbuso88 tweeted” In Television studies back in varsity we were taught that there is no such thing as reality TV because a person’s natural behavior is either lost or changed once they are aware that they are in front of a camera.”

@bevditsie tweeted “Wow.I’m a series writer/director for reality TV. I’ve directed everything from BBA to Survivor South Africa etc. I completely understand and agree with what you say Phil. Once a camera comes on – ‘real’ loses meaning. The more the crew, the less real the reality.”

Reality shows are partly scripted, I agree with Phil I remember love and hippop when moniece quit the show, one of the reasons the producers always wanted her to be a bad guy and would pressure her to share things that she ain’t comfortable to share.

— Anathi Lingani (@LinganiAnatii) April 22, 2022

Wow.
I’m a series writer/director for reality TV. I’ve directed everything from BBA to Survivor South Africa etc. I completely understand and agree with what you say Phil. Once a camera comes on – ‘real’ loses meaning. The more the crew, the less real the reality.

— Bev (@bevditsie) April 22, 2022

In Television studies back in varsity we were taught that there is no such thing as reality TV because a person’s natural behavior is either lost or changed once they are aware that they are in front of a camera.

— Gatsheni (@VuyaniMbuso88) April 22, 2022

Image Cred: Showmax